Year: 2018
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Aim Based on the design of applications for psychotic disorders illness self-management, this study aimed to understand patients’ patterns of technology usage, as well as their expectations and requirements concerning the design of an app for rehabilitation and illness management purposes. It also aimed to identify guidelines for mobile application development for this population. Method After a literature review, a questionnaire was developed, focused on behaviours and opinions about technology usage. It was applied, through a cross-sectional study, to a sample of 102 users of mental health services with psychotic disorders (62% men; with ages between 22 and 66 years old). Results Nearly 59% of the participants were willing to download an app for illness self-management, and 51% evaluated as essential the self-management of their mental health condition. However, correlation analysis revealed that the more years with mental illness, the less importance is given to an app for this purpose. Conclusion The use of mobile technologies seems to the have potential to empower individuals with mental health problems, especially younger ones and those in early disease stages. Concerns about privacy/security should be considered, as well as simple screening designs and texts. The results also reveal the importance of user participatory design.
Source: Psychology Community & Health
DOI: 10.5964/pch.v7i1.192
Authors: Raquel Simões de Almeida, Tiago Sousa, António Marques, Cristina Queirós
Institutions: Universidade do Porto, Universidade Técnica do Porto
Language: English
Subfield: Applied Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W2886112744